New figures reveal junior fishing licences increase 25%

Sales of junior fishing licences across England and Wales, have increased by 25.7 per cent from 2016/17. The fishing licence, which is now free for 12 to16 year olds, shows figures increased from 52,117 at the end of 2016/17 to 65,487 as of 21 August 2017.

The figures will be welcomed by the trade, which had previously shown a massive decline in the amount of youngsters going fishing. The rise in sales figures was helped by last year’s changes to fishing licences which included making them free to anyone aged 12 to16.

Kevin Austin, Head of Fisheries at the Environment Agency, said: “Children today have a wealth of technology at their fingertips, and coupled with the costs parents face, it’s easy to see why fewer children are enjoying outdoor activities. We’re really pleased to see that a growing number of young people are taking up the offer of a free junior licence, helping them to enjoy the great outdoors and this great sport.

“Today’s children are the anglers of tomorrow. It’s important we attract them to the sport early and offering a free fishing licence is one way to achieve that. Not only does fishing offer great health and educational benefits, angling generates over £1 billion for the UK economy and creates over 37,000 full time jobs.” The free junior fishing licence is made possible as a result of income generated from adult fishing licence holders.